This is the sixth of 13 sessions looking at selected passages from the Book of James. Click here to read the introduction and for an overview.
Click here to see the fifth session.
Session 6
Knowing it all is one thing; knowing the One who truly does know it all is another.
We’ve all experienced the type: An answer for everything, a smug summation even without being asked…
Then there’s another type that’s unfortunately rather rare: the person who drops pearls of true wisdom, the one with just the right thing to say at just the right moment, bringing just the right effect.
Do you ever wonder how they do it? Our human brains would tell us that wits like that are either something we’re born with or something we have to work at. James, however, tells us just the opposite. According to him, true wisdom, the kind that comes from heaven, is not about selfish ambition or boastfulness, but about living at the foot of our heavenly Father, passing on the things we hear in prayer and read in the Bible.
What things are those? According to
Think of it this way: Without a dose of humility, getting along with others can be pretty difficult.
Now, in terms of teens and young adults—those who are still in the process of learning how to assert themselves and finding the bravado to carry them through the moments of insecurity—this can be a deep-down, life-changing, completely encouraging concept. With the words of James spurring them on, they can take the pressure off themselves to have all the answers. As humans, that’s not really our job. Our role is to be a little slower to speak, a little more ready to listen. The fewer words we use, after all, the more weight those words will carry.
Also from The Message in
Words of true wisdom come straight from the Source. Peaceful lives—wisdom-filled, Holy Spirit-empowered lives—come only through time spent with our ears turned toward God.
What the Word Says:
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (
How It Applies:
Our human concepts of knowledge and wisdom can differ greatly from God’s. We may think we’re supposed to have all the answers, but true wisdom—the kind that comes from heaven—is as much about passing on the words we’ve heard in prayer and through study of the Bible than anything else.
Questions for Group Discussion:
• How do you define wisdom? How might it relate to taming the tongue?
• Think of the wisest person you know (who may or may not be the most book-smart). What characteristics does he or she have?
• In general, do you think our culture appreciates/respects godly wisdom? Why or why not?
• Do you think there are benefits to being seen as a wise person? If so, what are they?
• In what ways could life experience be a factor in wisdom?
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